5 reasons you should study in Varna, Bulgaria

5 reasons you should study in Varna, Bulgaria ? Varna is the third biggest city in the Northeast part of Bulgaria with an estimated population of 334,870. It rests in the peaceful meadows 370 km from Sofia, the country’s capital, adjoined by Lake Varna and two man-made waterways connecting it to the bay of the Black Sea. It is for this reason why Varna is known as “The maritime capital of Bulgaria”, since it is the biggest town on the Bulgarian coast constituting a popular tourist destination and a centre of business activities. It is the administrative centre of the homonymous province and Varna Municipality and the eleventh-largest city in the Balkans after Istanbul, Athens, Bucharest, Belgrade, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Zagreb, Skopje, Tirana and Plovdiv. Moreover, it is home to the so-called “Bulgarian Las Vegas” or “Golden Sands”, as well as a business and university centre, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy.

Ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern cultures mingle and coexist throughout the city. Varna is the centre of active cultural life, which, especially in summer, attracts the attention not only of the whole country but also of cultural circles in Europe. The international Varna Summer music festival, which first took place in 1967, has since been attracted famous musical ensembles: the Bolshoi Theatre, the opera companies of Bologna, Bucharest, Kiev, Odessa; orchestras from Moscow, Leningrad and Warsaw. Sofia is also the country’s most important educational center with its universities and publishing houses.

1. How big is Varna?

The size of a city can make a big difference on your study experience. Some students prefer the feel and pace of larger busy cities, while some may prefer a smaller and calmer feel. Whatever your preference, Multibank has you covered. Varna averages a population of about 336000 residents and covers some 154 km2.

2. How many universities and colleges are located in, or around Sofia, Bulgaria?

iGeneration includes 4 colleges and universities in or near the Sofia area. To explore some colleges and universities in Sofia, click on the university names below, or visit our Study in Bulgaria page.

3. Do I need a language certificate to study in Varna, Bulgaria?

One of the first questions students wonder when deciding to study abroad, is ‘do I need to speak the local language to study there?’ Every country and sometimes even universities themselves have their own requirements for the language of instruction. Students should contact the university to see if a language certificate is necessary to study there. Some countries offer international courses and study programs in English as well, but you will most likely need to show proof of English proficiency. To receive an English language certificate like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), four parts of the language are tested: reading, listening, speaking and writing. For more information on IELTS, or TOEFL, click here.

4. Is Sofia, Bulgaria a safe place to study?

Safety is an important point to consider when studying abroad. According to the current Numbeo Safety Index, Varna has a score of 62.95 – ranking it at number 158 of 461 cities globally for safety.

5. Is Varna, Bulgaria an expensive city to live in?

The cost of living can play a major factor in deciding where to study. Aside from tuition fees, students should consider the local cost of living – including items like housing, food, and social life. According to the current Numbeo Cost of Living Index, Varna has a score of 38.03 – ranking it at number 406 of 515 cities globally for the cost of living (the higher the ranking, the more expensive the cost of living is).